Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a viral infection known to cause six types of cancer - anal, cervical, oropharyngeal, penile, vaginal, and vulvar. The HPV vaccine helps to prevent most HPV infection types that cause cancer. A 2026 study found that vaccinated women ages 20 to 24 in England reported zero deaths from cervical cancer, indicating that the elimination of cervical cancer through vaccination is tangible goal.
Despite the proven safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine in preventing HPV-associated cancers, vaccination rates remain low (61% in adolescents aged 13-17). Factors driving low rates of HPV vaccination include a lack of physician recommendation for the vaccine, a lack of parental demand for the HPV vaccine, and the dissemination of misinformation about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. A commitment to increasing both provider and public awareness of the importance of the HPV vaccine in preventing HPV-associated cancers is needed to decrease the incidence of HPV-associated cancers.
ACS CAN CAN supports fact-based vaccine policies that reduce the cancer burden and protect those affected by cancer, including evidence-based efforts to achieve the highest possible HPV vaccination rates, consistent with American Cancer Society HPV Vaccination Guidelines, to prevent HPV-associated cancers. The PREVENT HPV Cancers Act of 2025 aligns with these goals. ACS CAN support the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act of 2025 to increase awareness of the causal link between HPV and HPV-associated cancers, increase HPV vaccination rates and cervical cancer screenings, and decrease the morbidity and mortality of HPV-associated cancers.
